Rinat Akhmetov, president of Donetsk's Shakhtar, has received a special distinction from the Union of European Football Associations. The commemorative award was presented to him by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin during a personal meeting at the organization's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, which took place on September 8. This was reported by Sport RBC.UA, citing the press service of the Donetsk club and an official FC Shakhtar Donetsk post on social media.
Meeting at UEFA Headquarters
The talks took place in Nyon, home to the center of European football. In addition to Akhmetov and Ceferin, the meeting was attended by Shakhtar's General Director Serhiy Palkin and the club's sporting director Dario Srna. The format of the meeting was dedicated not only to current cooperation but also to a solemn recognition of the head of the Donetsk club's long-standing contribution to the development of European football.
A Double Jubilee as the Occasion for the Award
According to the club's press service, Ceferin congratulated Akhmetov on two important dates at once: the 30th anniversary of his presidency at Shakhtar and the 90th anniversary of the Donetsk club itself. It was in connection with this double jubilee that the head of Shakhtar was presented with a commemorative UEFA award, with which the organization marked his significant contribution to the development of football. In return, Akhmetov gave the UEFA president a commemorative souvenir.
Ceferin's Assessment: Loyalty and the Club's Survival
Speaking at the meeting, Ceferin particularly emphasized Akhmetov's loyalty to his club and his love for football. "I do not think there is another president in Europe who is so devoted to his club, who shows so much love for football and his club," the UEFA head stated. He also noted Shakhtar's ability to continue operating at a high level despite the extremely difficult circumstances in which the club found itself after the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, adding: "I do not think this club would still exist without Rinat Akhmetov."
Akhmetov's Response and a Symbolic Gesture
Rinat Akhmetov thanked Ceferin for the invitation and for the support of Ukraine, emphasizing that it is important for him to see the UEFA president "on the side of good and justice." At the same time, he pointed out that the distinction received is the result of the work of the entire Shakhtar football family — players of different generations, coaches, club staff and fans — and not the merit of a single person.
Context: Shakhtar in the European Season
The award ceremony coincided with an active stage of the Donetsk club's preparation for its European campaigns. It was previously reported that Shakhtar surprised with its Champions League squad registration, confirming the team's intention to continue competing on the international arena despite the difficult conditions under which it is playing.
